Donne e teatro: prospettive e direzioni per un percorso in evoluzione

The essay outlines the state of art regarding Italian studies on ac- tresses and women theatre directors. Although a clear research per- spective based on women’s studies and gender studies has not yet been systematised, some changes have been introduced, especially by some female scholars who have researched women working in the theatre from a perspective that takes into account these disciplines and women’s history. Therefore, the author illustrates new directions that have been pursued so far in the Italian theatre studies. Various lines of research emerge, focused on female theatre company leaders, first actresses, the relationship between women and dramaturgy, and between women and stage direction. These research paths disclose interesting cases of rehabilitation of historical memories removed from the canon.